Henrico County VA DUI Defense and Prescription Drugs

We see and hear ads that tell us, “Don’t drink and drive.” It’s well known that you can be arrested for drinking enough to impair your driving. However, many people don’t realize that it is also illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs – even drugs which have been prescribed by your doctor – or to have an over-amount of certain drugs in your body. Boone Beale, your DUI attorneys in Henrico County Virginia, wants to remind you that it’s illegal to take some medications and drive.

More and more, Virginia drivers are being arrested for DUI due to prescription medicines. Doctors are prescribing medications to help with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleeplessness, and a host of other conditions. Many patients mistakenly assume that it’s legal and safe to continue to engage in normal everyday activities –such as driving – while taking prescription drugs. That assumption is a huge mistake which can have devastating and long–lasting consequences for drivers, their families, and others.

According to Virginia law:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle… while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle… safely”

As you can see, this law covers any drug or medication – legal, illegal, prescription, over-the- counter – it doesn’t matter. If your ability to drive safely is impaired by any drug, you can be arrested for DUI in Virginia.

To limit your risk of being arrested for a DUI in Henrico County Virginia:
•Read the warning labels, instructions and literature that come with medications. Many of them will say not to drive or operate machinery while using the medication.
•If you see no warning label, but think this medicine could impair your ability to drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe to take this medicine and drive.
•If you feel impaired (and that includes feeling sleepy) after taking a medicine – even if there’s no warning label – don’t drive.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a DUI, Boone Beale, your DUI attorneys in Henrico County Virginia, stand ready to help. At Boone Beale, we have some of the most highly qualified DUI attorneys in Virginia, who have more than thirty years of legal experience in this complex area of the law. Please let us help you: call 1-888-384-8946.